Finally my cycle has completed an i would like to add a fish or two tomorrow, but first i have a couple of questions.

1. I cycled with fish food, and haven't done a water change since i started really. I know i should do one and get all the gross fish food off the bottom and gravel, but i know that the bacteria will die without an ammonia source. Would i be all right to do a large water change this evening, and get fish around mid-day tomorrow, or do a big water change tomorrow morning, the same day that i get the fish.

2. I know there is a fair amount of bacteria in the gravel, so would it be safe to do a decent gravel vac before i get the fish?

Hey! sorry i didnt see your post sooner. I wouldnt do a HUGE water change or gravel vac, just do a quick gravel vac stirring just the surface to get rid of any goobers on top of the gravel. dont stick the vac deep into the gravel, and dont take out tooooo much water, and you should b efine :)

I have read that it is always recommended to do a WC before adding any fish. I haven't researched this or anything but there should still be enough ammonia to support at least a small colony of bacteria and they will multiply to keep up with your fish load especially since it sounds like you'll be adding fish slowly. Byron mentioned in a recent post that they can double in a 9-12 hour period. I always feel better checking my water parameters every day, just to be safe.

I would do a decent size water change...if it's an initial cycle, you're nitrates will have built up to a high level over the course of your cycle.....nitrates can build up from excess ammonia in the tank, which is what was used to cycle the tank....I would do a good 75% water change before adding anyfish....there isn't much beneficial bacteria residing in the water so you would not disrupt your cycle...

I would do a decent size water change...if it's an initial cycle, you're nitrates will have built up to a high level over the course of your cycle.....nitrates can build up from excess ammonia in the tank, which is what was used to cycle the tank....I would do a good 75% water change before adding anyfish....there isn't much beneficial bacteria residing in the water so you would not disrupt your cycle...